furphy

Meaning

Noun

• A rumour, or an erroneous or improbable story.

Related

Similar words

• scuttlebutt

Origin

• From Furphy.
  
• The firm of Furphy and Sons (still in business today) manufactured and supplied water carts to the Australian Imperial Force in Egypt during World War I. Soldiers stood around these and talked, exchanging rumours and news. The manufacturer's name, which was emblazoned on the carts, was soon adopted for unreliable information or speculation.